Car wrecks are a common danger for Americans. Unfortunately, they can happen anytime and anywhere. Because car wrecks can be a jarring experience, it can be challenging to know what to do if you’re in this traumatizing situation.
Fortunately, you can take steps to handle the aftermath of a wreck adequately. At Pantusa Towing and Recovery, our top priority is to ensure the safety of drivers we work with. We’ve laid out five things you need to do when you’re in a wreck:
Check for injuries
Often, it’s normal to experience shock once an accident has occurred. Therefore, we recommend that before moving or exiting the vehicle, check yourself and passengers for any visible injuries. Shock can lead to adrenaline entering your system, which can cause you to miss potential signs of injury. Checking for injuries, will allow you to decide if you need to stay where you are to protect yourself from further injury or determine if it’s best to exit the vehicle.
Get your car to a safe location
If you’re able to do so, move your vehicle to an area that’s away from any oncoming cars. First, put your hazard lights on to let other cars know that you’re in an urgent situation — and to ensure your vehicle stands out to any police or emergency vehicles that could be coming to your aid. Then, slowly and safely move your car to the right shoulder to free up the road or intersection. This increases the safety of yourself and your car.
Get yourself and passengers to a safe area
Many car accidents do not happen in convenient locations. Often, they occur on the highway or in the middle of a busy intersection. Wherever you are, take a second to monitor your surroundings. If safe to do so, exit the vehicle and move yourself and any passengers to a secure location. Additionally, take note of the state of your car. Is it leaking any fluids or causing further damage to yourself and your passenger? If so, it’s even more imperative for both of you to leave the area.
Call 911
Even if the other party involved — if there is one — is open to sharing their information, it’s still a good idea to call the authorities. A police officer can document the scene and fill out an accident report for your records. An accident report is critical because your insurance company may want to see this if you plan on submitting a claim. You can also use this opportunity to request medical assistance if there are any injuries. It is also worth noting that some states require you to call the police if you’re in an accident. For example, in Georgia, you are required to call the police if there’s a personal injury, death, or property damage over $500.
Exchange Information and Document the Accident
If another driver was involved in the wreck, it’s vital that you get their information.
You need their:
- Full name
- Contact information
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license and license plate number
- Make, model, and color of their vehicle
This information can help you move forward in making a claim if needed.
Also, be sure to document the accident:
- Take photos of your car and any other involved vehicle
- Note the location
- Record the names of those involved
- Take note of all the police officers involved
- Get any witness information
Call for Towing
Another crucial step is to call for towing if your car is not able to be moved on its own.
The Pantusa Towing and Recovery team can help with this. You can call us or fill out our online form to request a tow; we will then be on our way with the ideal equipment to conveniently move your vehicle to another area. With Pantusa Towing and Recovery, you can rest assured knowing that no more damage will occur to your vehicle. If you need car towing and recovery services, allow our team to help by calling 470-431-5605.